What Medical Conditions Typically Cause Obesity?

It is mostly believed that obesity is caused by overeating, or eating the wrong foods, but in some cases, the problem is more complicated than that. There are certain medical conditions that can be held responsible for the appearance of obesity.

Hypothyroidism

One of the medical conditions among the culprits for developing obesity is hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland, located in the neck area, is responsible for producing special hormones, whose role is to regulate metabolism, among other functions. These hormones are known as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). When too little of the hormones are produced, the metabolism can be slowed down to such a degree that a person ends up gaining weight, no matter what he or she does in order to lose weight.

If you suspect you suffer from hypothyroidism, you need to see a physician about your condition. They will run the needed tests to see what exactly causes your weight gain.

Thyroid conditions can lead to weight gain despite a person’s best efforts.

Cushing’s syndrome

Another medical condition responsible for obesity is Cushing’s syndrome. A person’s adrenal glands are responsible for producing cortisol, which is a steroid necessary for proper metabolism. In this syndrome, a person produces a large quantity of cortisol, more than the body needs. The large amount of cortisol available in the body leads to accumulation of fat, especially in the abdomen area, but also in the upper back and the face.

Depression

Recent studies show that there is a strong link between obesity and depression. The latter prevents the overweight person from exercising and keeping up with a diet, as dark thoughts plague them on a constant basis.

Depression may lead to obesity, and vice versa.

Doctors recommend obese people with depression to start by treating their underlying condition first, so that they do not sabotage their weight loss efforts. An incredibly large study out of Stony Brook University in 2012 displayed a link between obesity and increased pain along with depression. The thought from the researchers is that there were hormonal abnormalities at play. Follow up studies will hopefully lead to information on the specific hormones that become abnormal in the process.

Other medical conditions

The aforementioned conditions are not the only ones that can be held responsible for obesity. Certain genetic disorders, as well as brain conditions are among medical causes of obesity.

Medication

Antidepressants, steroids, high blood pressure and hormone replacement medication are often a cause for gaining extra weight. This leads to quite a conflict between receiving the right treatment for important conditions and trying to lose weight.

The best course of action is to see your doctor and decide together with him or her about how to lose weight and still receive the best treatment for the condition. Your doctor may recommend trying a different medication that is just as effective for treating your condition but may not lead to weight gain.